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Soft Focus and soft bokeh favorites

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
PhilipSomberS.jpg

philip, somber

Our beloved pastor's son, done last evening at the farmer's market. They left Nevada this AM to take him to Virginia Tech. Philip has a brilliant mind and a sweet spirit.

I consider this portrait to be just about as 'straight' as a portrait can be. Done in open shade with the 8X10 Kodak camera and a Bausch & Lomb petzval portrait lens. 15" f5 wide open @ 1/25th second.

This is an interesting shot. There's a sense of great reserve in strength and quiet confidence as well as peace of mind. I'd have thought this was a portrait of a gut going to the marines and destined to become a great officer! He's one lucky guy to have you take this picture. This man is at the cusp of great changes. He'll meet such a spread of new people and ideas. That's a huge challenge and even a culture shock. Doubtless he'll make great friends there and do himself proud. He seems very fit. Does he do sports or is he a workout type?

Asher
 

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
I have resposted this picture as a tribute to the pastor and to the unique character of portraits using Petzval, projector and soft focus lenses, by what ever means available.

I hope you will add your own favorites.

Asher
 

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
In order to approach this kind of work, we must think of the brutally clinical photographs made with bitingly sharp high contrast lenses that were introduced once film was mastered as a commercial medium.

This constitutes the ethereal escape from that didactic straight jacket.

Asher
 
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